I ceased updating this WinHelp page and its subsidiaries in October 2000 because the techniques of WinHelp, which were innovative in the early 90's as a desktop or networked resource, had by the end of the century been superseded by global and personal interactive access to the World Wide Web (usually called "the Internet", even though the Internet is a whole lot more than just a browser):
WinHelp 'n Me
I worked extensively with Microsoft® Windows Help (WinHelp) from 1992 until 1996.
Although I began by using it conventionally, as support for Windows applications, I soon
realised its potential for delivery of standalone documentation and concentrated on using
it to publish large volumes of on-line reference material related to corporate
administration. The source material was frequently revised and updated, and its electronic
publication as WinHelp files on LANs, on standalone PCs including laptops, and via an
Intranet resulted in more efficient distribution and significant savings over the printed
references previously used.
WinHelp development was always only a sideline for me professionally, and as the
availability of skilled authors increased I was able to leave the development side in
other hands. However, I went hands-off with mixed feelings, and for some time after I
maintained a keen interest in its use for information distribution, and use it a lot for
personal projects. I always preferred to develop in WinHelp3, as it does most things I
need, it serves the many users who are still on the
Saving WinHelp3
Microsoft didn't market WinHelp3 as a tool for authoring hypertext, and official
documentation was sparse and limited in concept. It fell to imaginative individuals,
"WinHelpers" from a wide variety of backgrounds and too many to name, to delve
into its secrets, stretch its capabilities, and by sharing their knowledge turn WinHelp
authoring into the significant industry it now is - as evidenced by the marketing of
Winhelp4 and the proliferation of Help Authoring Tools (HATs). Unfortunately, with a few
exceptions, much of the knowledge of those pioneers exists only in fragmented
correspondence and in the personal memories and notes of those who were involved. This
site is largely an attempt to conserve that knowledge.
Why bother? Two reasons: Firstly, an understanding of WinHelp3 techniques is fully
transferable to WinHelp4 development, and as WinHelp3 can be tackled in much more of a
hands-on manner than its successor, it is excellent background for designing and debugging
the latter; secondly, WinHelp3 is still necessary while ever there exists a substantial
base of 16-bit
What's here for you?
If you are thinking of getting into WinHelp authoring, check out my WinHelp
Resources page. As well as an introduction to the technique, you will also find
information on how to connect with other WinHelpers, and links to other Internet sites
which have useful material such as demonstrations by some of the pioneers of advanced
WinHelp authoring. The Resources page also links to step-by-step details of useful WinHelp3 Hacks, which I'll add to from time to time.
On my Distribution page you will find examples of
WinHelp used as a medium for standalone reference material, which you are welcome to
download for study or enjoyment. You will also find there some custom Dynamic Link
Libraries (DLLs) I created to give WinHelp additional features, which you may download and
use without charge in support of your own projects.
(There's also other material, unconnected with WinHelp, which you might find interesting
anyway.)
I will leave these pages in place indefinitely for whatever benefit they provide to WinHelp authors. However, I regret that as I no longer work in the WinHelp medium it is not practical for me to provide advice to Winhelp authors, so please do not send me questions.